Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Blue

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

This nearly evergreen ajuga offers bronze and green leaves and deep blue, late spring flowers that do well in part sun or shade. Grows about 3 inches tall with flowers reaching maybe 5 to 6 inches; 12 to 18 inches wide.

Plant in part to full shade, though best leaf color occurs with some sun. Prefers rich, organic soils that are well-drained. Spreads rapidly by stolons and can be quite aggressive in lawns. Plants may be mowed on high setting after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy the appearance, though it isn't necessary. Goes dormant in winter and emerges in early to mid spring, depending on the weather. In shadier areas, it may require less-frequent watering.